[Event Report] AAPI Heritage Month 2026 Special Event, Supported by SMBC

In celebration of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month this May, Sporta Japan Corporation is proud to present a report highlighting the impact of two community-driven events conducted during the 2025–26 season in collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC).

Both initiatives placed Asian athletes at the center, delivering on a dual mission:

empowering the next generation through role models, and sharing valuable insights with business leaders.

EVENT 1　·　Basketball Clinic & Career Talk

Sara Nakamura Miller　·　New York Japanese School, Riverside, CT  ·  December 12–13, 2025

Athlete	Sara Nakamura Miller — University of Pennsylvania / Japan National Team
Audience	Approximately 80 elementary & middle school students (2 days)

About Sara Nakamura Miller

Born in Arizona to a Jamaican father and a mother from Shizuoka, Sara Nakamura Miller is a bilingual, bicultural athlete competing at the collegiate level while representing Japan internationally. Over two days, she led students through a structured basketball clinic — dribbling, passing, BEEF shooting form, defensive footwork — while also delivering a career talk focused on balancing academics and athletics.

Her presence as an athlete competing at the highest level in the United States, while embracing both her Japanese and international roots, served as a powerful reminder that pursuing one’s dreams is possible.

The event embodied one of the core values of AAPI Heritage Month—passing inspiration on to the next generation.

EVENT 2　·　Special Management Seminar

Natalie Nakase　·　Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance, CA  ·  February 20, 2025

Speaker	Natalie Nakase（Golden State Valkyries HC / 2024 WNBA Coach of the Year）
Audience	SMBC executives, staff & SMBC SOLUA women's basketball team
Format	Keynote dialogue + panel discussion + Q&A

About Natalie Nakase

Head Coach of the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA) and 2024 WNBA Coach of the Year. After graduating from UCLA, Nakase built her coaching career in Japan — including stints in the bj-League and in Saitama — before rising to become a WNBA Head Coach. A true pioneer in international sports leadership, she brings top-level coaching experience from both Japan and the United States.

The 90-minute program, moderated by Sporta Japan CEO Yusuke Katoku, explored key themes including: 

・How to unify diverse teams toward a common goal

・Balancing data-driven decision-making with intuition

・Applying WNBA leadership and management insights to Japanese business

The panel discussion, joined by the head coach of SMBC SOLUA, provided an open and engaging comparison of coaching cultures in Japan and the United States. One particularly impactful moment came when Nakase reflected on her coaching experience in Japan, sharing what she felt should be preserved—and what needed to change—sparking strong reactions from the audience.

As the first Asian American head coach in WNBA history, Nakase’s journey represents the very essence of the “excellence and contribution” celebrated during AAPI Heritage Month. Bringing her insights to Japanese business leaders created a unique opportunity to highlight the influence of AAPI communities across both sports and business.

The Value of Partnership with SMBC

Both events were made possible through the support of SMBC. The involvement of a global financial institution in sports education and talent development aligns strongly with CSR and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles. By combining SMBC’s international network with Sporta Japan’s expertise at the intersection of sports and community, these initiatives delivered experiences that could not have been achieved independently.

Looking Ahead

Building on the momentum of AAPI Heritage Month 2025, Sporta Japan Corporation will continue to expand its efforts to serve as a bridge between Japan and the United States through sports.

With a dual focus on:

・investing in the next generation

・delivering insights to business leaders

We will deepen our impact in collaboration with partners such as SMBC.

About Sporta Japan Corporation

Sporta Japan Corporation is a New York–based sports business agency dedicated to bridging Japan and the United States through sport — spanning athlete career support, corporate marketing, event production, and sports technology. Through an enduring partnership with SMBC, Sporta Japan creates cross-cultural experiences that expand what either organization can achieve alone.

Contact

Sporta Japan Corporation

Public Relations Team

Email: contact@sportajapan.com